Described by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice, or Venezia in Italian, has been an important port city throughout history. Founded in the early 400s A.D., this city has been renowned for its beauty, architecture, musical and artistic culture, and of course its strategic maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Stretched across 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea, Venice was a wealthy city throughout most of its history; while tourism has been a major sector of its industry since the 18th century. Venice continues to impress its visitors as one of the most visited destinations in Italy, if not the entire Mediterranean!

Jun 17 – Tue

Dubrovnik – Croatia

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18:00

A Croatian seaport city on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent destinations on the Adriatic. The Republic of Ragusa, as Dubrovnik was called in the Middle Ages, joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979; it was a Maritime Republic (together with Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, Venice and other Italian cities), and became the only eastern Adriatic city-state to rival Venice. The city has always been based on maritime trade, and it achieved and prospered a high level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries. Dubrovnik offers its visitors many incredible old buildings, such as the Arboretum Trsteno, the oldest arboretum in the world, which dates back to before 1492. Also, the third oldest European pharmacy is located in the city, which dates back to 1317 (still in operation today)! In Dubrovnik’s bay there is a 72-hectare wooded island of Lokrum, where according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore after being shipwrecked in 1192 - this island includes a fortress, botanical garden, monastery and naturist beach. Some excellent beaches to consider while in Dubrovnik are Banje, Dubrovnik's main public beach, home to the East-West Beach Club, or Copacabana Beach, a stony beach on the Lapad peninsula, named after the popular beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Jun 18 – Wed

Cruising the Ionian Sea

Jun 19 – Thu

Mykonos – Greece

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18:00

Cosmopolitan Mykonos, with its wonderful beaches, impressive restaurants, and energetic nightlife, offers a more adventurous yet genuinely Greek experience. In Mykonos, freedom of expression is visible in every corner, and the combination of such a tranquil setting with a vibrant social scene has elevated the island to a premier destination for travelers from around the world. Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets lined with white washed houses, shops, cafes, and bars. Enjoy an exciting evening on this island and as the sun-sets, watch the island literally come alive!

If you have included a True Greece guided tour of Delos, today you will explore a neighboring island to Mykonos that during ancient times, according to Greek mythology, was a moving island that freely roamed the sea. Today it is quite stable and only a short boat ride from Mykonos. Your True Greece guide will show you this fascinating archaeological site, and guide you through the numerous statues, pillars, temples and mosaics. Walking amongst the ruins you will undoubtedly feel the spiritual ambiance of this island, which is regarded as one of the most important and sacred sites of the ancient world.

Jun 20 – Fri

Kusadasi – Turkey

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18:00

Kusadasi – meaning “bird island” – is a lively resort town located on Turkey’s Aegean Coast. The area’s history dates back as far as 3000 B.C. and has been a center of art and culture of many civilizations since. Before becoming a popular vacation spot in the 1980’s, Kusadasi itself was a modest town with a population consisting mostly of farmers and fishermen, while today’s Kusadasi resembles a modern European city.

Head out for some shopping into the maze of pedestrian roads in the old quarter, where you can find some traditional Turkish goods, like leather, carpets, jewellery, ceramics, etc. On the way there, just outside the port you will pass the The Okuz Mehmet Pasha caravanserai. Built in the early 17th century, it once served as a roadside inn for travelers to rest and recover from the day's journey. Alternatively, take a walk along the bay and visit the peninsula Guvercin Adas? ("Pigeon Island") that hosts a castle and several beaches, including a private beach with a cafe facing the town and the port, and public beaches facing the open sea.

If you have included a private guided tour of Ephesus, you will meet with your guide and driver and head toward this breathtaking ancient site. Ephesus boasts a rich and vibrant history and has become famous for its incredible historical landmarks, such as the Library of Celsus, the magnificent ancient theater, and the famous Terrace Houses. Explore this wonderful archaeological site with the assistance of your guide and marvel at one of the best preserved cities of the Ancient world. Reaching its climax during the Roman period, when it was regarded as the second largest city in the world, it is here where St Paul stayed for nearly three years preaching his beliefs. Considered as one of the seven Churches of Asia by Saint John in the Book of Revelations, Ephesus was also the site of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world.

Jun 21 – Sat

Istanbul – Turkey

15:00

If asked to name a city in the world that most evokes a sense of the exotic, of immense beauty, and of intrigue and mystery, many people would name Istanbul. Standing over two continents, three empires, several cultures, and thousands of years of history, it is a truly international city – one that seems to have long drawn people to project their own fantasies onto it. Arguably the greatest appeal of Istanbul is the unique combination of its rich history and historical structures with its cosmopolitan feel. While the city’s unique past will fascinate you and the various monuments will evoke a genuine sense of awe, perfectly combined with an oriental feel in many areas of the city. In Istanbul, there is no doubt that you are in a fabulous city like no other on this planet.

If you have included a True Greece guided tour to show you this multi-cultural and historic city through the eyes of a local, depending on the day, you will have the opportunity to visit the Blue Mosque and its superb inner courtyard, the Hippodrome originally built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD, the magnificent Byzantine church of St. Sophia, the Underground Cistern built during the reign of Constantine I, the Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman Sultans presided over their vast empire and the Grand Bazaar where almost 5,000 shops are spread out in a giant maze of small streets and passages that are arranged according to their trade. By the end of this fascinating day you will feel like a citizen of this “international” city.

Jun 22 – Sun

Istanbul – Turkey

Disembark am

Arrival Istanbul ~ individual departure.

If True Greece has arranged for your post-cruise experience, upon arrival at the cruise terminal meet your private driver who will transfer you to your luxury hotel in Istanbul.

Cruises are subject to availability. Itineraries and times are subject to change. Click on ports for detailed information.

Since each individual’s accommodation preferences differ and cruise fares constantly change based on availability, to learn more about this cruise please contact a True Greece Concierge to begin planning a cruise trip customized to your needs.

The below True Greece Private Guided Tours and Activities are available at an additional cost. For more information, please contact a True Greece Concierge

Mykonos

True Greece Delos Tour

During ancient times, according to Greek mythology, Delos was a moving island that freely roamed the sea. Today it is quite stable and only a short boat ride from Mykonos. Your True Greece guide will show you this fascinating archaeological site, and guide you through the numerous statues, pillars, temples and mosaics. Walking amongst the ruins you will undoubtedly feel the spiritual ambiance of this island, which is regarded as one of the most important and sacred sites of the ancient world.

True Greece Mykonos Town Tour

An archetype of Cycladic architecture, Mykonos Town or Hora is protected by Greek law in order to sustain its beauty and elegance. Follow your True Greece guide and get a local’s perspective of this architecturally exceptional location. Visit a rare jewel of traditional Greek Architecture, the Church of Panayia Paraportyanni which dates back to the 15th century. Learn the history and significance of the trademark windmills of Mykonos and visit a local bakery where you can sample some of their fresh produce. You will also have a chance to visit the quaint local archaeological museum and walk around “Little Venice.”

Kusadasi

Ephesus Tour

Located close to the coast in the Aegean Region, Ephesus boasts a rich and vibrant history and has become famous for its incredible historical landmarks, such as the Library of Celsus, the magnificent ancient theater, and the famous Terrace Houses. Explore this wonderful archaeological site with the assistance of you TrueTurkey guide and marvel at one of the best preserved cities of the Ancient world. Reaching its climax during the Roman period when it was regarded as the second largest city in the world, it is here where St Paul stayed for nearly 3 years preaching his beliefs. Considered as one of the seven Churches of Asia by Saint John in the Book of Revelations, Ephesus was also the site of the Temple of Artemis which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world.

Istanbul

Istanbul Tour

Standing firmly over two continents, Istanbul is the personification of a true “cosmopolitan” city. Your TrueTurkey guide will show you this multi-cultural and historic city through the eyes of a local. Depending on the day of your Istanbul tour you will have the opportunity to visit the Blue Mosque and its superb inner courtyard, the Hippodrome originally built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD, the magnificent Byzantine church of St. Sophia, the Underground Cistern built during the reign of Constantine I, the Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman Sultans presided over their vast empire and the Grand Bazaar where almost 5,000 shops are spread out in a giant maze of small streets and passages that are arranged according to their trade. By the end of this fascinating day you will feel like a citizen of this “international” city.

Let our True Greece Concierges do what they do best ~ take care of you!

Our Concierges are experts in creating a travel experience that is exactly what you’re looking for. Take advantage of our expert knowledge and work together with one of our Concierges to plan your pre/post cruise experience or perhaps even extend your travel experience to include a True Greece customized trip or a True Turkey customized trip add-on. Experience our renowned ‘on-the-ground’ service and allow us the opportunity to create an authentic and memorable experience for you.